Microsoft Releases a “Group Tabs” Browser Extension But It’s Not What You Think

Google has recently announced a major Google Chrome update that brings support for tab groups, and since the hype for this feature is real, Microsoft itself wants to be part of the fun with its new Chromium-based Edge browser. So this week the company debuted what is being called “Group tabs & share,” a new extension for Microsoft Edge that is now available for download from the Edge Add-ons website.

Many would be tempted to believe that the extension enables tab grouping in Microsoft Edge, thus making the browser work in the same way as the latest version of Google Chrome. But in fact, the purpose of the extension is completely different. What it does is allow you to select from the tabs running in the browser and then share them using multiple formats, like HTML, CSV, JSON, and URLs only. "Tab groups? Not so fast" Basically, the extension is supposed to make it possible to share an entire browsing session or only the selected tabs with just a few clicks, so you no longer have to copy and paste the links manually every time you want to do this.

“This add-on enables you to select and share data, links and other info at the click of a button; helping you save time and effort. What is even more interesting is that you can also choose the way you would want them to be shared – As - URLs only, HTML, CSV, JSON,” Microsoft explains in the add-on description. As for the real tab groups in Microsoft Edge, there’s a chance Microsoft will add them in the next updates. Given it’s based on Chromium, the same engine as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge often gets the same features as Google’s browser, so it’s now just a matter of time until tab groups make their way to Microsoft’s application as well.